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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game suggests the need for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C